First Parkrun Done & Dusted

[TailChaser]

We did it! My youngest and I went out this morning to the local park and ran round 3 times with 372 other people, and we came in at around 300 which I thought was quite respectable.

I’ve not done a proper long run since my graduation run on Monday but I have been doing gym work. I was feeling very worried about it but once we got going I got into my stride, and having my son chatting away to me along the way made up for the lack of Jo Whiley! The marshalls were great urging us along, especially on the last lap. There were spectators as well, clapping us along - wasn’t expecting that.

At the end, my son had a sprint finish and raced ahead of me. I definitely wasn’t sprinting anywhere this time! Very pleased to see the finish line but also feeling very accomplished.

A very lovely spread of water, squash, biscuits, cake and fruit slices was a wonderful sight to see once we got through the ‘funnel’. Also had a great chat with a lady who’d run with us near the end.

Although my son raced ahead of me, I wasn’t too far behind. He did it in 32:30 and I did 33:09, so there’s my target for next time/week! Quite happy with that time but I can aim for that elusive 30 minutes at some point over the summer.

I can definitely recommend it, it is a great way to keep the C25K momentum going. When I feel comfortable with this, I’ll plan my next target.

Result! 😁🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️😁

[Heathermgal Graduate]

Fantastic well done! I ran my first park run today too. Really enjoyed the friendly atmosphere, felt strange running with others as I've been running solo throughout the programme, but didn't feel intimidate or worried I would be left behind. Lots of support throughout the course. Looking forward to next week.

[Maybe58 Graduate in reply to Heathermgal]

Well done, it’s a good feeling taking part!

[TailChaser Graduate in reply to Heathermgal]

It is good isn’t it! Well done to you to 😀

[Jullaly Graduate]

So pleased for you, it sounds a wonderful experience and what a great time.

[Maybe58 Graduate in reply to Jullaly]

After Week 5 (next week) I’m going to try a Park Run.

[Jullaly Graduate in reply to Maybe58]

Im trying to sum up the courage to do the same. Im on week 7 but still have confidence melt downs!

[Maybe58 Graduate in reply to Jullaly]

Wow, if you’re on Week 7 you’ll have no problem with Park Runs. Don’t worry about speed or doing it non-stop. Just go for it and walk parts if you have to. I will do the park run as Run 3 of Week 6 probably. So I can start with the beginning 5 minutes walk.

[TailChaser Graduate in reply to Jullaly]

I know exactly what you mean oldladyruns. I still don’t believe I can do it, I just hope! I think, until I know I can do it, I will stick to Parkrun. I only have to go a couple of days without a 30 minute run and I stop believing. Just keep going I think is the best thing to do, then we’ll both convince ourselves eventually, I’m sure! You’re doing brilliantly 👍👍👍🏃‍♀️👍

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to Jullaly]

Do it do it do it 😂

Where’s your local ParkRun?

[Jullaly Graduate in reply to Tasha99]

There is one about 20miles from me, Prudhoe Riverside Parkrun

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to Jullaly]

Oh that’s far!

[TailChaser Graduate in reply to Tasha99]

Maybe do it do it do it every so often 😁

[TailChaser Graduate in reply to Maybe58]

Wow, you’re brave Maybe58! I couldn’t have done it before now. It is great fun though and the encouragement you get is brilliant. Good luck!

[pianoteacher Graduate]

Did my first one today as well! Was doing my Week 7 run 1 so walked the first 5 mins and the last bit once my 25 min run was up. It is really friendly isn't it?

Well done on your time too x

[Jullaly Graduate in reply to pianoteacher]

That was my last run, silly question but did doing the 5K feel ok, I want to try a park run but just need the confidence to do it

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to Jullaly]

Yes it was fine - I just did it as the normal run warm up walk included because even if I was being chased by a bear I couldn't run 5k in 25 mins 😂

At the start everyone went off running even the other newbies I'd been talking to. I didn't look back because other than a lady with a buggy who I knew was behind me (and of course the back walker) I think I was last. Overtook some people while I was walking and some more when I started running. It was tempting to run to the finish but I am really enjoying this and didn't want to risk injury.

There were all sorts of different people there with all sorts of different abilities and it had a really positive vibe about it. I wasn't bothered about where I would finish because I am only interested in competing with myself.

I would strongly encourage you to give it a try - I pretty sure you'll enjoy it

[Jullaly Graduate in reply to pianoteacher]

Thank you I will, my daughter ran one this morning and is trying to encourage me to go along with her. I had said I would wait until week 9 but I think I may give it a go next Saturday.

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to Jullaly]

I was going to wait until Graduation as well but I honestly don't think there's any need. As long as you can do your set run and have the discipline to walk the rest I really think it can be attempted from the beginning x

[Jullaly Graduate in reply to pianoteacher]

i will let you know how i get on

[TailChaser Graduate in reply to Jullaly]

It really helps to have someone to run with I think, especially if you’re a first timer. You can encourage each other on. All the best oldladyruns, I look forward to hearing how you get on 👍😀👍

[TailChaser Graduate in reply to pianoteacher]

Well done pianoteacher, and thank you! I wouldn’t have been able to do that, I’d have just got annoyed and downhearted that I couldn’t run it all, so I avoided it until I graduated! It is a lovely atmosphere, we got a really nice clap from everyone as first timers.

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to TailChaser]

I know what you mean about the psychology of it. I think it's a personal thing and each person will know when and if they're ready to tackle it. You're right about the lovely atmosphere - I got a well done from a lady, who had obviously been finished for ages and was doing her cool down, as I walked towards the finish line

[awaw Graduate]

Wow, well done TailChaser that’s a great time!

[TailChaser Graduate in reply to awaw]

Thanks awaw, I’m quite chuffed with it 😀

[wyersmith Graduate]

Excellent! Well done!

[Minimimi1 Graduate]

Well done!!!!!

[Flaraflarkin Graduate]

33.09 😱 That's amazing! Well done TailChaser 🙌👊🎉🏃‍♀️💪⭐️

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Wow that’s a fab time!

[Dexy5 Graduate]

Well done TailChaser, I knew you’d do it! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🤸‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️